PC100 256 SODIMM memory 1

[UKalliance]

Hello all,

I have a Compaq Armada M700 laptop, that is running Win XP Pro SP1. It has 256mb of RAM installed, 850mhz CPU, 20gb disk. The memory is split into 2 64mb modules and 128mb internal. The laptop only supports upto 512mb.

Before I knew this though, I bought a 512mb module and found that the laptop would not run, I thnen swapped this froa 256mb module, and still the machine is not happy with the memory. It keeps suggesting that I insert the CD and run a Repair. I have done this, but to no avail. If I take the module out, the machine works happily...although a bit too slow for my happiness! :-(

Before I do anything too drastic, am I missing something simple?

I'm wondering if my laptop can really only handle 256mb of memory......:-(

________________________________________

The Collective known as
The UK Alliance
________________________________________

 

[pweegar]

Try placing the 256mb stick in the very first slot, then the 128 stick and then the rest of the memory. I don't know about laptops, but I do know that in some pc's, the largest stick of RAM has to be in the first slot or the pc doesn't work.

 

[cdogg]

You probably have 2 memory slots in addition to the 128MB internal, correct?

If so, then each slot should support a max of 256MB. However, it is possible that the PC100 stick that you bought is not compatible with your motherboard. Because density levels vary greatly from stick to stick, it's best to use an online configurator (like the one at

http://www.crucial.com)

to figure out what you need. You don't necessarily have to buy from that site, but use the configurator to find out the memory specs that you need.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[UKalliance]

Thanks for the replies. I had checked on that website, and it suggested that I had PC100 memory, which is what I purchased. Any other compatability issues I should be looking? I don't believe that the module is faulty, as this is the 2nd one tried. I am going to play about with which slot they are now seated in.

Keep you updated.....

________________________________________

The Collective known as
The UK Alliance
________________________________________

 

[cdogg]

Well, if the two original 64MB sticks still work in the system, then you know the slots are OK. That would mean that the 256MB stick is incompatible, not necessarily "Faulty". PC100 is one specification on top of many others. There can be many differences between two sticks that are the same speed.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[UKalliance]

ok, have tried just the 256mb module in and the machines doesn't boot at all. I get the corrupt pci.sys drivers error.

________________________________________

The Collective known as
The UK Alliance
________________________________________

 

[cdogg]

And what happens when you place the 64MB sticks back in?


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[UKalliance]

If I have just the 2 64mb modules in, then the laptop works as before, with not many issues, other then slowness.

________________________________________

The Collective known as
The UK Alliance
________________________________________

 

[cdogg]

Alright, well then you can pretty much conclude that the 256MB module is the problem.
The reason could be:
1) the module is too dense
2) it's damaged/faulty
3) your motherboard is limited to a smaller max amount than you previously thought

If you give us the make/model of your laptop, we can confirm the max amount for you.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884